It always adds spice when two leading companies go neck-to-neck. It is spicier still, when the companies are Microsoft and Apple! It is Windows 8 Vs OS X Mountain Lion! Did the mighty lion roar or is it just a whimper next to Windows 8? Let’s compare them and see. Microsoft and Apple have both tried to bring in their mobile operating systems to Windows 8 and Mountain Lion respectively. However, the similarities between the two stop here. OS X designed by Apple end of the day is for laptops and computers. Windows 8 from Microsoft is compatible with computers, laptops and tablets. It is something that has never come before.
Windows 8 Vs OS X Mountain Lion
Let’s see in detail the different features of both and see what direction each of them has taken:
Logging in and getting started:
When you log into Windows 8, you don’t see the usual start menu and task bar accompanied by Windows Explorer. Instead, you get a grid-view of rectangular icons named Live Tiles (for the apps you have). You have to scroll left and right to see more apps. You can customize the start screen and decide what you want on it. However, the Explorer option is available if you prefer that.
With OS X Mountain Lion, you get the typical start up screen as it was with the others: the menu bar on the top and the dock at the bottom. Launchpad is a fairly accurate estimation of Mountain Lion’s Start screen (you get a grid view similar to iPad which makes programs access easier). In spite iOS roots of launchpad, Mountain Lion doesn’t look like a larger version of iPad and suits the Mac.
Live Tiles or notifications:
Notifications in Windows 8 are called Live Tiles functioning as informational sources. It shows the current weather, status of the game you are playing, etc. This makes Windows 8 more than an app launcher.
OS X doesn’t have Live Tiles, but it does have notification functionality. The notifications are shown in the form of badges. For example, if you have two unread mails, it shows two badges.
Swipes and gestures:
Trackpad gestures are used in Mountain Lion for various actions. For example, if you want to take a look at all the open files, you use three finger swipe-up gestures. To change the desktop or convert to full screen programs, you use the three-finger left or right swipe.
Windows 8 gestures are not very clear yet. The gestures they have at present are for touch-screen PCs and tablets. Swiping your fingers from right or bottom brings you the options to adjust settings and access extra features. Left side swipe brings the apps you recently used. Finger gestures for laptops is not sure yet.
File management:
Apple has done very little improvisation with OS X Mountain Lion’s file manager. The functions are similar to Lion. In Windows 8 any complicated file management has to be done through the Windows Explorer. Switching between the old and new versions can be time consuming and frustrating. Hope Microsoft does something about it in the future.
These are the few differences between Windows 8 and OS X Mountain Lion. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages but a definite improvement to their previous versions.
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Thanks for this comparison. I’m actually an Apple person so I am persuaded towards everything they put out so this article actually gave me a good overview of the two products. Thanks!